At the 27th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs emphasised on ASEAN- China cooperation on sustainable development, proposed ways forward in reinvigorating regional growth by encouraging an early entry into force of the RCEP Agreement, and invited ASEAN and China to explore possible cooperation on BCG Economy Model. The Meeting agreed to the convening of Special -China FMM in June 2021 in Chongqing.

On 18 May 2021, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the 27th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation (ACSOC) via video conference. H.E. Mr. Wu Jianghao, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, also attended the Meeting.

The Meeting discussed progress of ASEAN-China cooperation in a number of areas, such as COVID-19 responses, security, economic recovery and people-to-people exchanges. In addition, the Meeting discussed proposed activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations this year and agreed to convene the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 6th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in June 2021 in Chongqing. They also agreed to organise activities and programmes under the ASEAN-China Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation during 2021-2022.

As the ASEAN Coordinator on Sustainable Development Cooperation, Thailand proposed that ASEAN and China enhance practical cooperation particularly on poverty eradication, food security, disaster management and environmental protection. Thailand encouraged China to cooperate with ASEAN through the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) in Bangkok. Thailand also informed the Meeting of its plan to host an event on ASEAN-China sustainable development cooperation in August 2021 in Chiang Rai.

Thailand proposed ways forward in reinvigorating regional growth by encouraging an early entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP Agreement. Thailand emphasised the importance of cooperation to promote digital transformation, which includes digital infrastructure development and improving digital literacy and capacity building for MSMEs. Lastly, Thailand invited ASEAN and China to explore possible cooperation on Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economy Model.

ASEAN and China also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in the South China Sea. The Meeting reaffirmed commitment towards an early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, consistent with international law.